[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47509-47511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19465]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Program Announcement 00129]


Outcome Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs Implemented by 
Community-Based Organizations; Notice of Availability of Funds

A. Purpose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces a 
program for competitive fiscal year (FY) 2000 cooperative agreement 
applications to conduct outcome evaluations of individual-level Health 
Education and Risk Reduction (HE/RR) HIV prevention interventions 
implemented by community-based organizations (CBOs). This program 
addresses the ``Healthy People 2010'' focus area(s) of Educational and 
Community-Based Programs, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
    Although CDC has supported the development and implementation of 
community-based HIV prevention programs aiming to reduce sex-related 
and drug-related risk behaviors, to date these locally implemented 
community-based and community-developed interventions have not been 
rigorously assessed. Assessing the effectiveness of these HE/RR 
interventions is important for improving our understanding of the 
behavioral impact of these programs, providing useful information for 
CBO program planners and implementers, and improving future HIV 
prevention efforts.
    The goals of this program announcement are to support evaluations 
that assess the effectiveness of locally implemented HIV prevention 
interventions and to provide evaluation resources to CBOs that might 
not otherwise have the resources or capacity to conduct an outcome 
evaluation. These funds are intended to support the evaluation, not the 
intervention. This evaluation will use methods common to rigorous 
outcome evaluation research (e.g. comparison groups, individual 
baseline data, cross-sectional surveys, and the ability to track 
clients over time). In addition, efforts will be made to use methods 
and designs that integrate both qualitative and quantitative data 
collection.

B. Eligible Applicants

Limited Competition

    Applications may be submitted by community-based organizations who 
are currently receiving funds to implement individual-level HIV 
prevention HE/RR interventions. Specifically, these will include those 
recipients funded under the following program announcements: 00023--
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Projects for Community-
Based Organizations, 99091--Community-Based HIV Prevention Services and 
Capacity-Building Assistance to Organizations Serving Gay Men of Color 
at Risk for HIV Infection, 99092--Community Based Human 
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Projects for African Americans, 
and 99096--Cooperative Agreements for Human Immunodeficiency Virus 
Prevention Projects for African American Faith-based Organizations.

    Note: Public Law 104-65 states that an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engages 
in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds 
constituting an award, grant, cooperative agreement, contract, loan, 
or any other form.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $300,000 is available in FY 2000 to fund 
approximately three awards. It is anticipated that the average award 
will be $100,000, ranging from $75,000 to $125,000. It is expected that 
the awards will begin on or about September 30, 2000 and will be made 
for a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to 3 years. 
Funding estimates may change.
    Continuation awards within an approved project period will be made 
on the basis of satisfactory progress as evidenced by required reports, 
collaborative activities, site visits, goals set forth, and the 
availability of funds.
Use of Funds
    Funds are intended solely to implement the evaluation and not to 
support the intervention itself. Allocate up to $5000 to ensure your 
technological capability to conduct evaluation activities.
Funding Preference
    In making awards, preference for funding will be given to 
applicants who target high-risk populations as identified by their 
local community planning groups (e.g. men who have sex with men, 
persons of color and other racial or ethnic populations, youth in high 
risk situations).

D. Program Requirements

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose of this program, 
the recipient will be responsible for the activities under number 1. 
(Recipient Activities) and the CDC will be responsible for

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activities under number 2. (CDC Activities) below.
    1. Recipient Activities:
    a. Develop a common evaluation methodology including a description 
of the intervention, the study research questions, sampling strategy, 
research design, and standardized data collection instruments.
    b. Work with CDC to develop and submit application for IRB review 
and OMB approval as necessary.
    c. Recruit study subjects and from existing interventions according 
to the evaluation design and methodology.
    d. Conduct individual baseline and repeat assessments according to 
the evaluation methodology.
    e. Collaborate and share evaluation data and programmatic 
experience with other grantees to answer specific evaluation research 
questions and strengthen program implementation.
    f. Participate in regularly scheduled group conference calls, 
attend meetings with the project team, and participate in at least one 
site visit to each of the other participating CBOs.
    g. Present findings and collaborate with other recipients and CDC 
in presenting findings at national meetings.
    2. CDC Activities: To facilitate a successful research 
collaboration, CDC shall be responsible for conducting the following 
activities:
    a. Assist the recipients as needed, in planning and implementing 
the evaluation methodology including providing technical guidance in 
the development of the evaluation methodology which includes data 
collection instruments, selection of comparison groups, data collection 
methodologies, and data analysis plans.
    b. Conduct site visits as needed, to monitor activities and provide 
technical assistance when needed.
    c. Assist the recipient as needed, in refining and establishing 
data management systems.
    d. Assist as needed, in the data analysis of evaluation research 
information and in the presentation and publication of analytical 
findings.

E. Application Content

Competing Applications

    Use the information in the Evaluation Criteria section to develop 
the application content. The application will be evaluated on the 
criteria listed, so it is important that applicants follow these 
criteria in their responses. Print all materials double-spaced, in a 12 
point or larger font size, on one side of 8\1/2\" by 11" paper with at 
least 1" margins. Number each page. Submit your application unbound and 
unstapled. The application may not exceed 25 double-spaced pages 
(appendices are the appropriate location for references, publications, 
resumes, and other supportive documents).

F. Submission and Deadline

    Submit the original and two copies of PHS-5161 (OMB Number 0925-
0001) (adhere to the instructions on the Errata Instruction Sheet for 
PHS 398). Forms are available at the following Internet address: 
www.cdc.gov/. . . Forms, or in the application kit. On or before 
September 5, 2000, submit the application to the Grants Management 
Specialist identified in the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' 
section of this announcement.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline 
if they are either:
    (a) Received on or before the deadline date; or
    (b) Sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for 
submission to the independent review group. (Applicants must request a 
legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated 
receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private 
metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
    Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria in 
(a) or (b) above are considered late applications, will not be 
considered, and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

    Each applicant will be evaluated individually against the following 
criteria by an independent review group appointed by CDC.
    1. Title and abstract (Not Scored). The title and abstract should 
be a clear 1-page summary of the applicants proposal.
    2. Program Background (Not Scored). Title of the program, mission 
statement, years of service to the target population, recruitment 
venues for intervention participants, service setting(s), current 
funders, and the funding amounts.
    3. Intervention Plan (30 Points). Describe the existing HE/RR 
intervention to be assessed and how it fits CDC individual-level 
intervention categorization (see attachment A). Indicate the degree to 
which the proposed goals and objectives of the intervention are 
specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic, and time-based, related 
to the proposed activities, and consistent with the program's long-term 
goals. Provide a detailed description of the scientific, theoretical, 
conceptual, or program experience foundation on which the proposed 
activities are based and the specific behaviors and practices the 
intervention is designed to promote and prevent (e.g., increase in 
correct and consistent condom use). Clearly describe the target 
population(s), and the degree to which the target population reflects 
the community planning priorities. Clearly indicate how clients will be 
sufficiently recruited and tracked over time, and how the intervention 
activities are monitored for quality assurance.
    4. Evaluation Capacity (30 points). Clearly describe current data 
collection, management, and reporting systems including a description 
of the types of data (variables) collected and how these data are 
collected. The extent to which current computer systems and Internet 
capabilities are used in managing data. Indicate areas in which 
technical assistance is anticipated in designing and implementing the 
evaluation methodology including staff training needs and refinement of 
current data management systems.
    5. Staffing and Facilities (20 Points). Clearly describe the 
proposed staffing plan including number of staff (full, part-time, and 
volunteers) dedicated to the intervention and quality assurance. 
Specify the division of duties and responsibilities for the 
intervention and indicate percentages of each staff member's commitment 
to the intervention and other projects. Demonstrate the degree to which 
participating staff are qualified and available for carrying out the 
evaluation activities by providing copies of resumes or job 
descriptions of existing personnel. Indicate the number of staff with 
expertise in computer technology or describe personnel that would be 
hired for conducting the evaluation. Finally, describe the equipment 
and facilities to be used for the evaluation.
    6. Collaboration Experience (20 points). Provide supporting 
evidence (letters and memorandums of agreement) that the applicant has 
experience working collaboratively with health departments, the local 
HIV prevention community planning group, or other community-based 
organizations to carry out community-based public health interventions, 
evaluations, or research. Specify the extent to which the applicant has 
the scientific and programmatic capacity in successfully designing, 
implementing, and completing similar evaluations, either alone or in 
partnership with a collaborator. The degree to which the applicant has 
met the CDC Policy requirements regarding the inclusion of

[[Page 47511]]

women, ethnic, and racial groups in the proposed research. This 
includes:

    (1) The proposed plan for the inclusion of both sexes and racial 
and ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation.
    (2) The proposed justification when representation is limited or 
absent.
    (3) A statement as to whether the design of the study is 
adequate to measure differences when warranted.
    (4) A statement as to whether the plans for recruitment and 
outreach for study participants include the process of establishing 
partnerships with community(ies) and recognition of mutual benefits.

    7. Protection of Human Subjects (Not scored) Does the application 
adequately address the requirements of 45 CFR 46 for the protection of 
human subjects?
    8. Budget (Not Scored). Provide a detailed, line-item budget for 
carrying out the evaluation activities, including travel expenses for 
meetings with other recipients and CDC staff and a budget narrative 
that justifies each line item.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

    Provide CDC with original plus two copies of:
    1. Progress reports quarterly, no more than 30 days after the end 
of each 3 month period;
    2. Financial status report, no more than 90 days after the end of 
the budget period;
    3. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days 
after the end of the project period.
    Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in 
the ``Where to Obtain Additional Information'' section of this 
announcement.
    The following additional requirements are applicable to this 
program. For a complete description of each, see Attachment 2.

AR-1  Human Subjects Requirements
AR-2  Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic 
Minorities in Research
AR-4  HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions
AR-5  HIV Program Review Panel Requirements
AR-6  Patient Care
AR-9  Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements
AR-10  Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements
AR-11  Healthy People 2010
AR-12  Lobbying Restrictions

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

    This program is authorized under section 301 and 317(k)(2) of the 
Public Health Service Act, [42 U.S.C. 241(a) and 247b (a)], as amended. 
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.939.

J. Where To Obtain Additional Information

    This and other CDC announcements can be found on the CDC home page 
Internet address--http://www.cdc.gov Click on ``Funding'' then ``Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements.'' To receive additional written information 
and to request an application kit, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-888-472-6874). 
You will be asked to leave your name and address and will be instructed 
to identify the Announcement number of interest.
    If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all the 
documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained 
from: Roslyn Currington, Grants Management Specialist, Grants 
Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC), Room 3000, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, 
GA 30341-4146 telephone (770) 488-2720, Email: [email protected].
    For program technical assistance, contact Francisco Sy, Behavioral 
Scientist, Program Evaluation Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS 
Prevention, Intervention, Research, and Support, National Center for 
HIV, STD, TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, Telephone (404) 639-0566, Email: [email protected].

    Dated: July 27, 2000.
John L. Williams,
Director, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention (CDC).
[FR Doc. 00-19465 Filed 8-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-19-P